Mile 158.5 - RBD Hoppie’s Marine Service

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

158.5 RBD Hoppie’s Marine Service

Paddler-friendly Hoppie’s Marine consists of a series of 4 barges tied together on the Missouri shore 158.5 right bank descending just past the mouth of Rock Creek and the town of Kimmswick. Hoppie’s is owned by Fern Hopkins and her husband, “Hoppie.” Fern is legendary. She holds a meeting every day between 3 and 4 pm to inform boaters about conditions on the river. Although she’s more familiar with powerboats and not “paddle boats” (canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards), Fern has the latest information on river conditions and shares it with anyone who stops at Hoppie’s. This includes the best campsites downstream as well as areas with dangerous currents.

Paddlers not wanting to run the dangerous “gauntlet” of the St. Louis Harbor can find a great start place for your downstream expedition at Hoppie’s. You could also take out at Hoppies. This would make a good end place for an overnight or long weekend from the confluence.

If you are making landing at Hoppie’s be aware of the swift currents in front of above and around the marina, so you can make a good approach. Don’t stray too far into the center of the channel or you’ll miss it! Hug the Missouri shoreline below Kimmswick and the mouth of Rock Creek. The water speeds up as the river narrows against a short limestone shelf at Water Point. A charming white house and manicured lawn sits above. Hoppie’s is directly below “Water’s Point” in a deep and vigorous eddy. Pull up to the sandbar that forms next to the boat ramp. From land access Hoppie’s Marine through Kimmswick. If you stay overnight here you will need to seek permission to camp from Hoppie or Fern. After setting up, go visit Kimmswick’s famous Blue Owl Restaurant (not open Mondays) for a satisfying meal and good beer to wash it down.

For powerboaters this is the last place to tie up with power and water until the Memphis Yacht Club, or if you are taking the Tennessee-Tombigbee route to the Gulf, Kentucky Lake Marina. Hoppie’s Marine Service, Fern and Hoppie Hopkins, 6018 Windsor Harbor Drive, Kimmswick, MO 63053, 636-467-6154.

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